THE GOP QUANDARY…TO LIE. OR NOT TO LIE. THAT IS THE QUESTION

It’s not certain that the current trend by some in the GOP Congress to speak out against corruption and abuse of power by the Trump administration will hold. But it’s certainly refreshing to see. Unfortunately most of the people speaking out are either banished from the GOP or on their way out the door because their constituents decided to follow their cult leader instead of their own best interests. And the GOP Congress that remains has become so ensnared in Trump’s universe of lies that it’s going to be hard to escape. Examples… In a January poll by Morning Consult, 51% of Republicans said tariffs are a “fee foreigners pay for selling products to the United States,” while 38% more accurately said they are “a tax on foreign products that Americans buy.” In a March poll by the Pew Research Center, 43% of Republicans said that solar power is more expensive to consumers than most other energy sources, while only 24% said that it’s cheaper. In an April poll by Ipsos, 82% of Republicans said that large numbers of noncitizens cast fraudulent ballots in US elections, compared to just 38% of independents and 18% of Democrats. Solar power is the cheapest form of electricity to set up in most parts of the world. Tariffs are paid by US importers, who pass along the costs to consumers. And noncitizen voting is extraordinarily rare. These are verifiable facts, recognized by anyone still grounded in a fact-based world. This is the big problem if you’re a GOP politician trying to navigate a governing philosophy based on lies. The sheer number of Republicans who believe things that aren’t true distorts the landscape. Examples… In Australia, cheap solar power is now so abundant that every household will soon get three hours of free energy every day. Promoting solar here would surely help Americans at a time of rising energy prices. But even if they wanted to, Republicans would have a hard time making the case for it so long as their own voters incorrectly believe solar power is more expensive. Trump’s persistent arguments about voter fraud have left Republican politicians chasing air. And when state lawmakers look to curb mail-in voting or introduce draconian voter ID requirements, their own elections directors and strategists have to pull them aside and warn that these restrictions might backfire on their own party. It’s a house of cards built on sand that will not withstand reality in the long run. No matter how big the lies get. So it’s no wonder those among your ranks who are now freed from Trump’s alternate reality are using their voices, and their power, to say ‘Enough is finally enough.’ It’s about time. And here’s hoping it’s contagious.